All I knew about Maastricht before this city break was that it is the birth place of the Euro. Not a popular destination for a city break, but attractive which makes it for us the perfect place to spend a laid-back weekend.

Because we didn’t manage to raise our sofa’s temperature to a comfortable one, we made the big step and moved about two months ago from a beautiful big Mill house to a cosier and modern one closer to a town. Anybody that has moved house, can confirm that it is a nightmare...so, after one month we decided to give ourselves a break and have a box free weekend.

Getting to Maastricht was a bit difficult, but it was all worthwhile. Low cost airlines do not fly there and that is one of the reasons it is less crowded with international tourists. So to get there we flew Germanwings to Cologne, rented a car from Hertz and drove to Maastricht. At the time we have booked the tickets (one week in advance) this option was a better price than taking the Eurostar to Brussels and then the Brussels Maastricht express to get to destination. Flights were about £112 return per person and the car for 2 days €100. Check the other option as well, time wise they are the same, but you might get a better price. Once we got there we parked the car and start walking.

Maastricht is a charming little city and everything is more or less walking distance. The locals like cycling and their bike parks are a real challenge. Have a look at the pictures and good luck finding your bike.

The city is split by the river by the river Maas and our hotel was in the less crowded side. I can’t say we have chosen a hotel...Townhouse hotel http://www.townhousehotels.nl/ was the only one that still had a few free rooms a week before departure. But it was nice and clean, it had parking space and a delicious breakfast, all for €63 per night.

On our way to the old city we walked through Wilhelminsingel Street where every Saturday it is a flea market, unfortunately we didn't find a set of nice old reasonable silver cutlery...Getting closer to the river we knew it was the right way, everybody was walking and cycling in that direction. By the time we reached the Roman bridge, the sun was shining and number of cyclists increased. From the bridge there is a beautiful view of the river and one can admire beautiful buildings before entering the old city. And where there is water, there are mills, do not forget to visit later the Bishop’s mill – a centuries old water mill, still operational today.

Like any medieval town, Maastricht has its own maze of narrow streets all of which centre on the Vrijthof Square. The dominating church of Saint Servaas, dating from 1000 AD is one of the emblematic buildings of Maastricht. Have a look inside at the wonderful stained glass and a few remaining wall paintings.

The square is the place where concerts are held, wedding pictures are made, it is the place to be and to be seen. That’s why opposite the church, restaurants are lined up inviting you to sit down and have a rest, admire the surroundings and taste traditional dishes. We walked a few street away from the square and found a small cafe in a tiny square with a fountain. They served muscles. I would rate them as average and the service was not great either, but we needed a rest before we wandered on the streets again.

Coffee after lunch, yes please, in one of the hundreds of small cafe shops that lay out a few table and chairs on the street. Do not avoid the icecream it is deeeelicious and you can find it at every other street corner.

If you want to do some good shopping, this is the place. From clothes, to jewellery and watches, all of very good taste. The Purdey shop particularly captured my attention, as it is a combination of Victorian/ post Victorian ridding fashion and modern style.

Dinner in a nice restaurant needs to be booked in advance, but luckily we were recommended a few restaurants just outside of the main area, which had a few free tables. Cafe Rilette http://eetcaferilette.nl is a proper restaurant, known by the locals and by 7pm was full. We had salmon carpacio (the best I’ve ever had see the picture) and some other delicious fish dishes.

On our way back to Cologne we drove through the flat country side of the Netherlands, it was rainy and a bit cold. Just before we reached Cologne we stopped at Schloss Paffendorf where we had the nice surprise to find a jazz band playing. The sky was clearing by now, so we set down in the castle court yard and we had coffee and cakes.

On the way to the airport we had time for one more stop...the legendary Cologne cathedral, but I will tell you this travel story another time.

If you are really thinking of visiting Maastricht, have a look at this website http://www.zichtopmaastricht.nl/ I found it after I came back, as I was trying to remember the names of some places.